I will be the first to admit that I don't get out much when it comes to shopping.Took my wife today to buy her a video recorder for her birthday as our old VHS-C format one hasn't been used in years and she wanted to upgrade to a new HD model.Went to Best Buy,they only had about 3 or 4 that were powered up to check out.We then went next door to H.H.Gregg,none had power,just tied to the counter.At both places when we asked the sales folks just shrugged and said they wished they were powered up also.Is this how people spend $475 to $800 without trying something out?I can read reviews of items,but still like to hold in my hands before buying.Does this bother anyone else? Guess I'll have to post a thread asking for camera suggestions.

To be honest I wouldn't have a problem spending that kind of money on a camera sight unseen. There are endless amount of reviews both text and video now a days. Especially for high end electronics. I'd be willing to bet for every model you wanted to look at, there would be a video review for on youtube that would highlight the pros and cons of the camera. And while I can certainly understand how frustrated it would be to go shopping and have that kind of experience, unfortunately it seems like no one gives a dam any longer. The sales people don't care because for every camera they set up, there are 10 customers who need to screw around with the settings trying to be funny.

Ever tried to use a computer at best buy? Most of them are locked because everyone thinks they are funny creating user settings that lock it, so that no one can try it out.